Fi21 or Supra SR

[pnwsummers 0]

Looking for a 21ft boat mostly for surfing!  Has anyone tested the new Fi21? Comparing that to the Supra SR.

Both very nice boats just wanted your guys opinions  .  I know it's a centurion forum, but would appreciate your honest opinion. 

[pnwsummers 0]

Forgot to mention, we also have the option to go with a slightly used 2017 Ri217 for a few thousand more. I'm really torn since the fi has the new hull. 

[carguy79ta 67]

Thats a tough call. They are close in weight and ballast capacity.I would say surf both and see which boat fits you and your fam.

[strev 26]

Funny, these are the two boats I'm trying to decide between right now also.... 

[luluzer 50]

Test surf them if possible and choose the one that has, in your opinion, the best feeling wave. All other considerations aside, you will never regret spending some extra money on a better wave. However, knowing there is a better wave that you passed on will haunt you everytime you see that boat pass, that is if you are anything like me.  If you cant tell a difference in the waves after surfing them, then buy the cheapest option and know you are a genius.  Thats my 2 cents

[sporte77 5]

I just went through this process.  I chose the Fi21.  Here’s the summary why... it was not an easy choice.    I have a 2012 Malibu VLX (no surf gate).  I really like my VLX- it’s a sharp boat.  But over the years, I’ve uncovered numerous QC issues that were hidden under - in areas you cannot see.  Right after the 5 year warranty expired, the $1000 + touchscreen delaminates (a known issue). In 2012, my VLX was advanced in hull design.  Not now.  We are ready for an automated surf system.

 Last year I surfed behind a 2017 Ri217.  I loved the space!  Big boat for a 21’.  The surf wave was great.  But this year I surfed behind a 2018 Fi23 and the surf wave was PERFECT.  Must be the opti-V hull?  Blew me away.  Too big for my garage... So, I demoed and surfed behind the 2018 Supra SR and the 2018 Centurion Fi21.  I decided not to go Malibu again.  Although, I do like the 22VLX - it Just seemed like they slowed down and the other manufacturers have caught them.  So, why pay $10-$15k more?  Wasn’t as impressed with surf gate as other systems lately.  I rode behind a 2015 VLX before- Didn’t wow me.

I wakeboarded behind the Fi21- but not the SR.  However, surfing is 80% of what we do.  Both boats were offered at about $99-100k.  I really wanted the Supra because it came fully loaded - the power tower, power seat (wife wanted it), and it fits under an 8’ tall garage door.  However, we were looking to advance our surfing and wakeboard enjoyment - and the Fi21 won that test.  Our core concern is the ride BEHIND the boat - so bells and whistles didn’t win over wave and wake quality.  I have to say that Supra really gives the others a run for the money!!  Malibu and Nautique, in my opinion, are now overpriced.  Maybe someone could setup the SR differently to help the wave.  But it didn’t happen in our demo.  In fairness- I should have tried the wakeboard wake of the SR, but we ran out of time.  Plus - I got tired of listening to the ballast pumps whining all the time - adjusting the boat’s level ride.  If I recall, they both had nice fit and finish overall.

2018 Supra SR vs. Centurion Fi21

2018 Supra SR-

Pros:  Loaded. Advanced features like power tower, power seat, easy Bimini, active wake system, sliding rear seat/table. Lots of bang for your buck!!

Cons: the active wake system (when enabled) is always humming - annoying; surf wave wasn’t as good to me as the Fi surf.  That’s about it, but we are very picky about wave and wake.

2018 Centurion Fi21

Pros:  Surf wave beat the SR (push, height, length) with only 2 in boat & with only 2 PNP rear bags (+factory ramfill); wakeboard wake was incredible - narrower than my VLX, gradual and easy to customize, big without much ballast - made crossing the wake pretty effortless- which my kids will like.  Rear transom trunk. Ramfill is great.  Still uses pumps though in PNP bags (they all do).

Cons: Bimini is not easy - only slightly easier than my VLX - and it’s a floppy mess when you start deployment.  Doesn’t come “loaded” as the SR with advanced stuff (see SR features). No sliding rear seat in the 21- only the 23.  Lockers are small because they put in side storage and rear transom storage (it’s a trade off).  8’4” tall with  tower folded - won’t fit under my 8’ door(That’s DUMB for a “premium entry level” boat).

Rant.....Manufacturers are LOSING sales in the upgrade market, where people don’t want to pay for storage and have an 8’ door.  I was going to just install a Go Surf Assist because nothing fit under my garage door.  How many other boat owners with an 8’ garage door won’t upgrade?

Finally.....

So, the wave and wake test sealed the deal and I’ve ordered an Fi21.  BUT, that was after I tore a little piece of drywall off above the garage door to see if my beam was down low - or up higher.  Turns out I can remove the lower framing (not the beam) - and get 8’9” of clearance.  If that hadn’t been the case, I’d have installed the GSA on my VLX.  The garage door mod will cost me $1700 - which kind of burns me.  I know that Centurion will probably have the sliding seat, power tower and power seat next year ... just like my 2012 VLX didn’t have a surfgate until 2013!!  That hurt.  But that’s the way it works.  At least I’ll have what I consider the best wave and a new warranty.

Bottom line:  I can say the Fi21, with mostly stock ballast & a couple locker bags had the best surf wave AND the best wakeboard wake I’ve EVER ridden. SOLD.

Edited June 10, 2018 by sporte77
Added comments

[h20king 794]

Yep power tower in 19 will be a option 

[InfinitySurf 302]

Nice review

 

[Brandon161 26]

If you are close to Canada.  Extreme Boat Sports has a smoking deal on a 2017 RI 217.  Has only a few hours on it